The Golden State Warriors made Walker Kessler look like prime Shaquille O'Neal or Wilt Chamberlain on Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena.
That's nothing against Kessler who's bound for a big first season at the Los Angeles Lakers, but is it any surprise when the Warriors are virtually playing without a center? Perhaps it was a good result that Kessler was so dominant, sending a reminder to Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the Golden State front office to act fast on a Kristaps Porzingis trade that brings back a legitimate starting calibre big man.
Walker Kessler reminds Warriors to act fast on Kristaps Porzingis trade
Kessler finished the night with 26 points, nine rebounds and two blocks in 30 minutes, shooting a perfect 12-of-12 from the floor of which no less than 10 came from dunks. Whether it was lobs at the rim or the 25-year-old simply running the floor to get on the end of transition opportunities, the Warriors had absolutely no answer for his 7'2" frame and the Lakers offense overall.
Porzingis was supposed to be that answer -- a 7'3" unicorn who could deliver some rim protection on the defensive end, while also negating the influence of someone like Kessler on the other by being able to score from all three levels.
Except Porzingis wasn't there. He wasn't even in the building. There's a chance he may never play professional basketball again and the Warriors are already exploring trade opportunities after only just signing him to a two-year, $40 million contract during the offseason.
Those trade opportunities need to materialize quickly, otherwise those Kessler-type performances will be a regular whenever Golden State come up against an above average starting center. Again, no to disrespect Kessler, but there are more offensively talented big men around the league.
Warriors already rejected by Bucks in Kristaps Porzingis talks
The Warriors need to act quickly to find a starting caliber center, but that's also reliant on a rival team being willing to come to the table. Golden State have already reportedly reached out to the Milwaukee Bucks, presumably in relation to Myles Turner, only to be turned away according to The Athletic's Nick Friedell and Sam Amick.
Being able to move a non-active Porzingis is going to be easier said than done so early in the season, but waiting too long and the Warriors risk their campaign going completely off the rails to the point it's over before it really gets started.
For the moment they'll have to hope Charles Bassey can return on Friday night against the Memphis Grizzlies, and that they can patch things together to at least remain competitive through the early period of the season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google